Combined head and jaw rest



Sept. 24, 1929. N. P. STENSHOEL COMBINED HEAD AND JAW REST Filed {an. 3, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet l I INVENTOR. M18 BSfenshoel,

A TTOR E Sept. 24, 1929'. p, STENSHOIEL 1,729,525

COMBINED HEAD AND JAW REST Filed Jan. 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

,Slenahoel, MM

Patented Sept. 24, 1929 PATENT OFFICE NELS P. STENSHOEL, 0F CROOKSTON, MINNESOTA COMBINED HEAD AND J'AW REST Application filed January 8, 1929.

This invention relates to a head and jaw rest and more particularly to devices of this class which are adapted to be used by undertakers for supporting the head and jaws of a corpse in any desired position, during the process of embalming and before the same has become rigid, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth a rest of the class referred to including head and jaw supporting elements and means whereby they can be adjusted vertically in unison, and further whereby the jaw supporting elements can be adjusted independently relative to each other and also with respect to the head supporting element.

Other objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a

rest for the purpose referred to which issimple in its construction, strong, durable, compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, conveniently adjustable and capable of being manufactured at low cost.

WVith the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more specifically described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to which fall within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views Figure 1 is a side elevation of a head and jaw rest in accordance with this invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is a side elevation, upon a reduced scale, showing the device when in use, with respect to the head of a corpse.

Figure 4 is a section on line l4 Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a section on line 55 Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in sectional elevation illustrating the latching means for the carriers for the jaws supporting elements.

Figure 7 is a section on line 77 Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a section on line 88 Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating one of the jaw supporting elements.

Serial No. 330,076.

The device includes a pedestal of substantial height and formed of a curved base 1 and a tubular standard 2 of a diameter with respect to the base 1 whereby the latter will proj ect laterally from the lower end of the standard 2. The base 1 and standard 2 are fixedly secured together by any suitable means. The standard 2 is inset at diametrically opposed points to provide a pair of vertically extending grooves 3 each of a length corresponding to the height of the standard. The inner wall of each groove 3 is formed with a vertical row of spaced openings 4:.

Mounted concentrically with and vertically adjustable on the standard 2 is a head rest supporting element comprising a sleeve 5, open at its lower end and closed at its top by a curved rest member 6 for the head 7 of a corpse 8. The diameter of the sleeve 5 with respect to the member 6 is such that the latter projects laterally from the upper end of the sleeve. The inner face of the sleeve 5 at diametrically opposed points is provided with a pair of vertically extending ribs 9 which extend from the bottom of the sleeve and terminates at a point below the upper end thereof. The sleeve 5 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed openings 10 which extend through the ribs 9 and said openings 10 are adapted to register with selective opposed openings 4 provided in the inner wall of the groove 3. Formed integral with the outer face of the sleeve 5 at diametrically opposed points are apertured lugs 11 to which are pivotally connected, as at 12, spring controlled latching members 13. The controlling springs for the latching members 13 are indicated at 14c and each of said members has an inwardly extending, right angularly disposed projection at its lower end, as indicated at 15. The latching members 13 are oppositely disposed and the projections 15 thereof are adapted to extend through registering openings 10 and 4 for the purpose of latching sleeve 5 in its vertically adjusted position with respect to the standard 2 of the supporting pedestal. The grooves 3 are arranged at the front and rear of the standard 2 and the ribs 9 at the front and rear of the inner face of the sleeve 5.

Fixedly secured to the outer face of the sleeve 5, at diametrically opposed points and arranged at right angles with respect to the ribs 9 are short, vertically disposed supporting bars 16 of rectangular contour and of the desired thickness. The bars 16 have their upper ends positioned in spaced relation with respect to the member 6. The lower ends of the bars 16 are arranged above the lower end of the sleeve 5. Superposed spaced barrels 17 are secured or formed integral with the outer side face of each bar 16. Positioned at each side of the sleeve 5 and extending forwardly f with respect thereto is a'hinged support 18 for a carrier 19 for a jaw supporting element 20. The hinged support 18 is in the form of a plate and is provided at its rear end with spaced, superposed barrels 21 which are arr nged between the barrels 17. The barrels 17 and 21 are connected together by a pivot 22 whereby the supports 18 are hinged with the sleeve 5. The pivots or pivot rods 22 are retained in position by an suitable means.

Each of the hinged supports 18 in proximity to its outer end is formed with an up standing, arcuate slot 23 for a purpose to be presently referred to.

Each carrier 19 comprises a pivoted sec tion 24 and a slidable section 25 carried by the pivoted section 2 1, and the latter further constitutes a combined support and guide for section 25. The section 2 1 is in the form of a channel bar which opens at the outer side thereof and is formed with inwardly extending, oppositely projecting flanges 26 at its open outer side. See Figure 8. The rear end of section 24 is pivotally connected to its support 18, as at 27 The section 2 1 can swing in an arc with respect to the outer face of the support 18 and said section extends beyond the forward and rear edges of its support 18. See Figure 1. The section 25 includes a straight rear part 28 and a forward, upstant ing part 29 which is upon a forwardly directed curve at its point of joinder with the part 28.

The part 29 is slidably mounted in the section 24 and retained therein by the flanges 26 and said part 28 is formed with a lengthwise extending slot 30 providing a clearance for the head of the pivot 27 and also a clearance for the shank 31 of a headed clamping bolt 32 which extends through the slot 23 formed in a supporting member 18. The section 24 is provided with an opening 33 for the passage of the shank 31 and the latter projects a substantial distance outwardly with respect to section 24. Carried by the shank 31 is an interiorly threaded clamping nut 34 of the sleeve type which is adapted to extend into section 24 and bind against part 28 of section 25 to retain the carrier 19 stationary and in its adjusted position with respect to its supporting member 18. The carrier 19 is lengthwise and angularly adjusted relative to its supporting member. The upper end of part 29 is also outwardly curved as indicated at 35. See Figure 2. The part 35,, in proximity to its free end and on its outer face is formed with a lateral stud 36 having a. vertical opening 37 and a trans verse opening 38 formed with a threaded wall. Engaging with such threaded wall for a purpose to be presently referred to is a clamping screw 39-. See Figure 9.

Each chin supporting rest comprises a shank formed of an upper part 10, an intermediate part 41 and a lower part 4:2. The parts 40 and 42 extend substantially in parallel planes and the part 41 extends inwardly at an inclination with respect to the part 42. The part 10 terminates in a rest member of any suitable form, preferably consisting of a circular, dished plate 43 having spaced minute barbs 14 at its edge. Each jaw rest is not only adjustable on the vertical axis of the part 12, that is rotatable, but is also vertically adjustable relative to the outer end of its carrier 19. The aw rest is clamped in its adjusted position by the screw 39.

The hinged supports 18 are adjustable relatively to each other and further are also adj ustable relative to the sleeve 5 and when adjusted are retained in such position through the medium of a combined adjusting and retaining device for such supports 18. Said device consists of a yoke-shaped body portion 45 having the arms thereof indicated at 4 6 and which extend forwardly with respect to the sleeve 5. A block 47 is attached to the front of the sleeve 5 centrally thereof and is arranged in alignment with a rib 9. The body portion 45 is secured to the front of the block 47 by the holdfast devices 48. The holdfast devices for securing the block 47 in position are indicated at 49. Each arm 46 is formed with a transversely extending opencates with the opening 50. The wall of the opening 51 is threaded.

Slidably mounted in the openings 50 are oppositely extending adjusting rods 52 which are pivotally connected at their outer ends as at 53, to yoke-shaped brackets 54, secured to the inner faces of the hinged supports 18. Engaging with the threaded walls of the opening 51 are clamping screws 55 for the purpose of maintaining the rods 52 in adjusted position.

Owing to the manner in which the jaw rests are coupled with the sleeve 5, the said jaw rests can be horizontally adjusted with respect to the sleeve 5, adjusted forwardly with respect to said sleeve as well as rearwardly with respect thereto, vertically adjust-ed with respect to the carriers therefor as well as angularly adjusted with respect to the latter.

The head rest, owing to the manner in which it is connected with the standard, can be vertically adjusted relative thereto and when so adjusted bodily carries the jaw rests therewith, under such conditions the head rest and jaw rests can be vertically adjusted in unison.

Owing to the manner in which the jaw rests are connected with the sleeve 5 of the head rest the said jaw rests can be independently adjustable relatively to each and also independently adjustable with respect to the head rest.

The general object in using this device is to secure first the correct position of the head of the corpse before the same becomes rigid so that the same will have a natural position in the casket, second the correct position of the aw and mouth, that is to have the jaws set and the mouth closed without leaving any marks on the face in so doing. Third to take the weight of the head from the neck of the corpse, thereby preventing the thickening of the neck, and welts on same, or in other words, preventing the double chin efiect.

It is thought that the many advantages of a device for the purposes set forth and in accordance with this invention, can be readily understood, and although the preferred embodiment of the invention is as illustrated and described, yet it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction can be had which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What I claim is:

l. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, and angularly and lengthwise adjustable supporting means for and carrying the aws rests and bodily carried by the head rest, said means including a pair of supports hinged to the head rest and a combined coupling and adjusting device for said supports.

2. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, angularly and lengthwise adjustable supporting means for and carrying the jaw rests and bodily carried by the head rest, a supporting structure carrying the head rest, said supporting structure and head rest having cc-acting means for latching the head rest in adjusted position, said means including a pair of supports hinged to said head rest, and a combined coupling and adjusting device for said supports.

3. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, and angularly and lengthwise adjustable supporting means for and carrying the jaw rests and bodily carried by the head rest, said jaw rests being vertically and angular-1y adjustable with respect to said means, said means having the forward ends thereof apertured for receiving said jaw rests and further including clamping devices for maintaining the jaw rests in adjusted positions.

4. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, and angularly and lengthwise adj ustable supporting means for and carrying the jaw rests and bodily carried by the head rest, said means including a pair of supports hinged to the head rest and a combined coupling and adjusting device for said sup ports, said jaw rests being vertically and angularly adjustable with respectto said means, said means further having the forward ends thereof apertured for receiving said jaw rests and carrying at their forward ends clamping devices for maintaining the jaw rests in adjusted position.

5. A device for the purpose set forth co1nprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, angularly and lengthwise adjust-able supporting means for and carrying the jaw rests and bodily carried by the head rest, and a supporting structure carrying the head rest said supporting structure and head rest having coacting means for latching the head rest in adjusted position, said aw rests being vertically and angularly adjustable with respect to said means, said means further having the forward ends thereof apertured for receiving said jaw rests and carrying at their forward ends clamping devices for maintaining the jaw rests in adjusted position.

6. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, jaw rests, angularly and lengthwise adjustable supporting means for and carrying the jaw rests and bodily carried by the head rest, a supporting structure carrying the head rest, said supporting structure and head rest having coacting means for latching the head rest in adjusted position, said means including a pair of supports hinged to said head rest, and a combined coupling and adjusting device for said supports, said j w rests being vertically and angularly adjustable with respect to said means, said means further having the forward ends thereof apertured for receiving said jaw rests and carrying at their forward ends clamping devices for maintaining the jaw rests in adjusted position.

7. A device for the purpose set forth comprising a vertically adjustable head rest, a supporting standard therefor, said head rest and standard having coacting means for latching said head rest in adjusted position, vertically and angularly adjustable jaw rests, a pair of supports hinged to and bodily carried with said head rest, a pair of longitudinally and angularly adjustable carriers pivoted to said supports and having means at the outer ends thereof for receiving said head rest and further having means at said ends for clamping the aw rests in adjusted position.

8. A device for the purpose set forth com-- iii prising a vertically adjustable head rest, a supporting standard therefor, said head rest and standard having coacting means for latching said head rest in adjusted position, vertically and angularly adjustable jaw rests, a pair of supports hinged to and bodily carried with said head rest, a pair of longitudinally and angularly adjustable carriers pivoted to said supports and having means at the outer ends thereof for receiving said head rest and further having means at said ends for clamping the jaw rests in adjusted position, said carriers formed of a pair of interengaging, slidably connected sections one of greater length than and projecting forwardly from the other, said section of shorter length being pivoted to its support, and said carriers and supports having coacting means for maintaining the carriers in a lengthwise and angularly adjusted position.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature hereto.

NELS P. STENSHOEL. 

